What Is That Odd Looking Van Roaming The Texarkana Streets?

Conspiracy folks might be a little concerned when they see it, but really, they're not spying on you. They're spying on our streets and sidewalks.

The Texarkana Metropolitan Planning Organization, also known as the MPO, has contracted with a company called Data Transfer Solutions to inventory the condition of Texarkana sidewalks. This project will run through November.

The van they use is called the MAC, or Mobile Asset Collection vehicle. The MAC has cameras and GPS location and cataloging devices to create a report on where problems are and how bad they are at the time of the survey.

The survey areas include "Texarkana Ark and Texas, plus Redlick, Nash, Wake Village, and a very small portion of Leary, Texas," according to Jo Anne Gray with the Texarkana MPO.

It's actually pretty fascinating how the vehicle maps the problem areas, you can find out more about it at the dtsgis website.

The DTS van may be required to drive any given road several times before all the data is collected so the MPO requests you not be alarmed if you see the van travelling back and forth along the same street several times. The MAC vehicle will only be in use during daylight hours.

If you have any concerns or questions please contact the Metropolitan Planning Organization office at 903-798-3927.